Miami, March 29 (IANS) Serena Williams recovered well from knee injury to ease past Romanian Monica Niculescu 6-3, 6-1 at her Miami Open opener on Saturday, a media report said on Sunday.
The match was the first for Williams since she withdrew before the semifinals at Indian Wells last week, citing a right knee problem, reported Xinhua.
“It was a little sore in practice, but it was OK today,” she said.
Serena’s sister Venus also advanced, beating Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 (3). The older Williams’ opponent in the fourth round will be No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki, who rallied to beat Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Eugenie Bouchard was upset in her opening match by qualifier Tatjana Maria 6-0, 7-6 (4). Bouchard, seeded No. 6, won less than half her service points, had five double-faults and was broken five times.
The Canadian, a Wimbledon finalist last year, is only 6-4 this year. Her career record at Key Biscayne fell to 1-3.
In the men’s matches, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the number 11, has been out of action since November with an arm injury. His return made a successful 2015 debut with 10 aces and 30 winners in a victory over American Tim Smyczek 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
The Frenchman will line up against good friend Gael Monfils.
Top-seeded Novak Djokovic fought to hold off Martin Klizan 6-0, 5-7, 6-1. The Serb now owns 20 wins this season and 31 in Miami. He next plays Belgian Steve Darcis, who defeated Gilles Muller 6-4, 5-7 (2-7), 6-3.
American John Isner beat 17-year-old wild card Andrey Rublev of Russia, 6-3, 6-4. Rublev is the world’s No. 1-ranked junior.